Overview
Samson fish are the heavyweight cousin of the kingfish and dominate deep reef and wreck ground across southern Australia. They school around structure and will smash a jig within seconds of it landing on the bottom.
Off Rottnest Island they form famous summer spawning aggregations, where fish over 30 kg are common and catch-and-release is the norm.
They are strong rather than fast — expect long, grinding runs straight back toward the structure they came from.
Where to find them
- ▸Shipwrecks and artificial reefs in 20–60 m.
- ▸Isolated pinnacles that rise sharply off a flat bottom.
- ▸Deep limestone ledges off Rottnest, Two Rocks and Albany.
- ▸Around bait schools holding over deep reef.
Tackle
- ▸Rod: PE4–PE8 jigging or heavy spin stick.
- ▸Reel: 8000–14000 spin or 200-size overhead with 300 m of braid.
- ▸Line: 50–80 lb braid with 80–100 lb leader.
- ▸Terminal: assist hooks on 200–300 g knife jigs.
Tips from the water
- ▸Lock the drag early — give them line and they will reef you.
- ▸Use a release weight to return deep fish; barotrauma kills otherwise.
- ▸Fish the first hour of light for the most aggressive bite.
Regulations
Bag and size limits vary by state; deep-caught fish should be released with a release weight.